Case Report: Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans Diphtheria-Like Infection in a Horse in the United Kingdom

Flavia Zendri; Cajsa Marie Isgren; Matthew Sinovich; Peter Richards-Rios; Katie L. Hopkins; Katherine Russell; Natalie Groves; David Litt; Norman K. Fry; Norman K. Fry; Dorina Timofte

doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.650238

Frontiers in Veterinary Science (Jun 2021)

Case Report: Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans Diphtheria-Like Infection in a Horse in the United Kingdom

Flavia Zendri,
Cajsa Marie Isgren,
Matthew Sinovich,
Peter Richards-Rios,
Katie L. Hopkins,
Katherine Russell,
Natalie Groves,
David Litt,
Norman K. Fry,
Norman K. Fry,
Dorina Timofte

Affiliations

Flavia Zendri: Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
Cajsa Marie Isgren: Department of Equine Clinical Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
Matthew Sinovich: Department of Equine Clinical Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
Peter Richards-Rios: Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
Katie L. Hopkins: Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
Katherine Russell: Emerging Infections and Zoonoses section, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
Natalie Groves: Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
David Litt: Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
Norman K. Fry: Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
Norman K. Fry: Immunisation and Countermeasures Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
Dorina Timofte: Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.650238
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 8

Abstract

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Corynebacterium ulcerans (C. ulcerans) may cause diphtheria in humans and can be carried by a wide range of animal species including dairy cows and, more recently, dogs and cats that have been increasingly involved in zoonotic trasmission. We isolated and characterized, by WGS, a toxigenic C. ulcerans strain from a diseased horse in the United Kingdom showing clinical signs of respiratory diphtheria comparable to those seen in people. Our results indicate a role for horses as reservoirs for zoonotic C. ulcerans.

Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science

ISSN: 2297-1769 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Agriculture: Animal culture: Veterinary medicine
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science

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